When the Donnels Creek Church began in 1809 it met in homes, on the lawns, in barns and if it was a beautiful day, in the groves surrounding their homes. The congregation used the Frantz barn for 13 years before building a house of worship.
Jesus said, “I am living water, whoever drinks from me will never thirst.” It is this living water that gave a woman at a well hope.
The Donnels Creek Church has had a passion to spread the hope that only Jesus can give. In August of 2009 the Donnels Creek Church celebrated 200 Years of Living Water. It is a tradition and hope that continues.
Here is a summary of significant moments in 216 years at Donnels Creek Church:
- 1809: Elder John Garver organized Brethren families who lived west of Springfield into a congregation
- 1848: The first house of worship was dedicated
- 1895: A move into a new building after an improved worship house was constructed
- 1948: On February 7, a faulty flue resulted in a fire breaking out in the middle of pastor Rolland Flory’s sermon.
- 1948: In September that same year Donnels Creek hired its first full time minister pastor Ross Noffsinger.
Donnels Creek has been led by God to be a people with a burden for outreach. Through its various ministries it has helped to feed the hungry, help with flood victims in many places including Dayton, OH. In 1953 church members took heifer cows to Germany to re-establish cattle herds that were devastated during WW2.
This legacy extends to current times. Diligent women help with the Samaritans Purse Christmas Shoe Box program which provides Christmas gifts in impoverished areas in the United States and Internationally. Additionally through various yearly events, they also raise money which benefits missions and ministry.
Donnels Creek Church has been blessed to remain a busy congregation. We have been blessed and want to be a blessing.